Underwater lighting system

ABSTRACT

An underwater lighting system embodying sets of tracks attached to a wall in overlying spaced relationship, light supporting carriages engaging said sets of tracks, and raised and lowered by winches and electric cables disposed between the tracks for lighting each lamp.

United States Patent Rambusch et a1.

UNDERWATER LIGHTING SYSTEM inventors: Viggo Bech Rambusch, New York,

N.Y.; Howard H. Oldenburg, Lebanon; Peter White, Montclair, both of NJ.

Rambusch Decorating Company, New York, NY.

Filed: Apr. 2, 1973 Appl. No.: 346,753

Assignee:

U.S. Cl 240/26, 240/61, 240/69 Int. Cl F2lv 31/00, F2lv 21/20 Field of Search 240/26, 61, 67, 69, 6,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3/1904 Morse 240/69 X June 11, 1974 1,161,939 11/1915 Lewis 240/26 1,347,846 7/1920 Gelb 240/67 2,618,454 11/1952 Farrington. 3,061,717 10/1962 Barrett 240/69 X Primary Examiner-Robert P. Greiner 5 7 ABSTRACT An underwater lighting system embodying sets of tracks attached to a wall in overlying spaced relationship, light supporting carriages engaging said sets of tracks, and raised and lowered by winches and electric cables disposed between the tracks for lighting each lamp.

7 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures amslmo PATENTEDJUN n .914 v SHEET 10F 3 UNDERWATER LIGHTING SYSTEM This invention relates to underwater lighting systems and more specifically to a novel and improved lighting system for underwater illumination of tanks of substantial depth and which may include submerged apparatus which is to be observed or maintained during its operation.

Prior known underwater illumination apparatus have generally involved the utilization of light sources permanently positioned at desired fixed locations with the result that repair and main tenance have presented a serious problem and, further, the lamps could not be readily adjusted or shifted in position in order to illuminate the apparatus more effectively.

The lighting system in accordance with this invention provides highly versatile means for underwater illumination which can be readily shifted in position and also repaired and maintained. This is particularly advantageous in cases where submerged equipment is to be observed since operation of the equipment need not be interrupted for repair or adjustment of the lighting devices.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of novel and improved lighting means for underwater illumination wherein tracks are employed with cooperating carriages for the lamps which facilitate precise positioning of the lamps at any desired depth and withdrawal of the lamps for adjustment and repair.

Still, another object of the invention resides in the provision of novel and improved means for effecting underwater illumination which enables precise positioning of the light sources at any desired depth and maintenance of. the sources in the selected positions.

The illuminating apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a generally vertically disposed multiple track for slidably retaining carriages supporting light sources, means for retaining electric cables within the track structure, and cable means for raising and lowering the carriages independently.

The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings forming part of this application.

In the Drawings: 1

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the track and carriage structure in accordance with the invention, v

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the structure shown in FIG. 1 with a light source supported by each carriage,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view in fragmentary section of the structures shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic front elevational view illustrating the operation of one carriage and associated lamp taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2,

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic front elevational view illustrating the operation of the second carriage and associated lamp and taken along the line 55 of FIG. 2',

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of FIG. 1 taken along the line 6-6, 7'-7 and 8--8 respectively,

FIGS. 9 and 10 are fragmentary cross-sectional views of track and carriage portions showing means for locking them in the raised position.

Referring now to the drawings, the numeral 10 denotes a vertical track adapted to be secured to the wall of a tank or otherwise supported in a substantially vertical position. A pair of carriages l1 and 12 include transverse guides 13, 14 and 15, 16 respectively, with the guides 13 and 14 being coupled by a tubular member 17 carrying a light source 18. The guides 15 and 16 are similarly coupled by a tubular member 19 carrying a second light source 20. Cable hoists are utilized to raise and lower the carriages independently and elec' tric cables are arranged within the track for energizing the light sources.

More specifically, the track 10 consists of two spaced track portions 21 and 22 each having a vertically disposed plate 23 positioned normal to the wall W to which it is affixed. The inner end of the plate has a short flange 24, a first vertically disposed guide rail 25 disposed centrally of the plate and a second vertically disposed guide rail 26 at the outer edge of the plate. The outer edge of each plate further includes an outwardly extending L-shaped flange 27. The track portions 21 and 22 are secured in spaced relationship to the wall W by a top bracket 28 and a plurality of spaced lower brackets 29.

The brackets 29 of which one is illustrated in FIG. 7, comprises a back plate 30 having a pair of outwardly extending plates 31 spaced inwardly from the ends of the plate 30. The outwardly extending portions 32 of the plate 30 are provided with openings 33" to accommodate bolts on screws 34 for attaching the bracket to the wall W. The back plate 30 also includes a pair of narrow ribs 35 spaced inwardly from the plates 31 with a space between each plate 31 and the adjoining rib 35 being equal to the width of the flange 24 forming part of each track 23. With this arrangement, the brackets 29 are first secured in place on the wall W whereupon the track portions 21 and 22 can be inserted into the brackets with the flanges 24 engaging the spaces between the plates 31 and ribs 35. The L-shaped flange 27 on each track portion also engages the outer end of the associated plate 31 whereupon screws 36 are inserted to secure the track portions to the brackets 29. The uppermost bracket 28' is identical in structure to the brackets 29' and like numerals have been utilized to designate like portions. The bracket 28 further includes a centrally disposed plate 37' which carries pulley assemblies 38 and 39 for engaging cables 40" and 41 extending from winches 42 and 43. The cable 40 extends through an opening 44 in the plate 31 and about the pulley 39 and is attached to the carriage 11 as shown more clearly in FIGJI. Similarly, the cable 41 extends through an opening 45in the other plate 31 and about the pulley 38' and is attached to the carriage 12.

The carriage 11 includes upper and lower guides 13 and 14, each of which consists of a generally triangularly shaped central portion 46 and a: pair of outwardly extending arms 47 and 48 Each: arm 4-7 and 48 terminates in a U-shaped structure 49 slidably engaging the outer rails 26 of the track portions 2 1 and 22. The central portions 46 of the guides 13' and 14 each include an arcuate recess 50 into which a vertically disposed tubular member 17 is fitted and attached by suitable fastening means such as screws 52. The tubular member 17 holds the guides 13 and 14 in vertically spaced relationship and carries the light source 18 secured thereto by means of a bracket generally denoted by the numeral 53*.

The carriage 12 is constructed similarly to the carriage 11 in thateachguide 15 and 1 6 includes a generally triangularly shaped central portion 54 and outwardly extending arms 55 and 56, each of which terminates in a U-shaped portion 57 engaging rails 25 of the track portions 21 and 22. Arms 58 extend outwardly from each guide and terminate in transverse portions 59, each having a recess 60 for receiving a tubular member 19 which is attached to the guides by fastening means such as screws 62. The upper end of the tubular member 19 carries the light source 20 which is secured thereto by means of a bracket 63. The cables 40 and 41 are secured to the carriages 11 and 12 respectively by means of eye-bolts 64 and 65. With this arrangement, operation of the winches 42 and 43 will function to raise and lower the carriages independently.

Electrical energy is fed to the light sources 18 and 20 by cables 66 and 67. The cable 66 extends downwardly between the rails 25 and 26 of the right hand track portion 22. The cable is then looped about a weighted pulley 68 which rides between the sets of rails 25 and 26 and then extends upwardly and is secured to the carriage 11 by a bracket 69. The cable then extends through the tubular portion 19 as shown more clearly in FIG. 2 and is attached to the lamp 18. The electrical cable 67 extends downwardly between the rail 25 and the flange 24 of the left hand track portion 21 as shown more clearly in FIG. 7. The cable is then looped about a second weighted pulley 70 riding'between the rails 25 and the flanges 24 and then extends upwardly and is secured to the carriage 12 by means of a bracket 71. The cable then extends upwardly through the tubular member 19 and is attached to the lamp 20. The distance between each of the weighted pulleys 68 and 70 below the carriages 11 and 12 when in its uppermost position is somewhat greater than half of the total depth to which the light source is to be lowered. With this arrangement, the cables are always retained in a protected position and cannot become entangled. The operation of the light sources is shown more clearly in FIGS. 4 and wherein H6. 4 shows the raised and lowered positions of the lamp 18 while FlG. 5 shows the raised and lowered positions of lamp 20. It is of course evident that the electric cables 66 and 67 are provided with waterproof coatings and that the light sources 18 and are also waterproof.

When the light sources 18 and 20 are raised for servicing or other purposes, they may be locked in position by pins as shown. in FIGS. 9 and 10. In FIG. 9 the locking means for carriage 12 is illustrated. This is accomplished by providing aligned openings 72 and 73 in the rails 26 and respectively and openings through the U-shaped portion 57. With this arrangement, a pin 74 can be inserted through the openings to lock the carriage 12 in the raised position. The pin 74 may be attached to the rail portion 23 by a chain 75 or other suitable means.

The carriage 11 is similarly locked in the raised position by aligned openings 76 and 77 in the rail 26 and the U-shaped portion 49 of the carriage 11. A pin 78 attached to the track portion 23 by means of a chain 79 is inserted through the aligned openings to lock the carriage in the raised position.

While only one embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it is apparent that alterations, modifications and changes may be made without departing from the true scope and spirit thereof as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An underwater lighting system comprising a set of vertically disposed rails spaced outwardly from supporting means, said rails comprising a pair of spaced coplanar members having means attached to their outer edges for securing them in spaced relationship to said supporting means, a carriage slidably engaging the inner edges of said rails, a light source carried by said carriage, winch means for raising and lowering said carriage and an electric cable attached at one end to said light source and having a downwardly extending loop portion lying between said rails and said support, .and a weighted grooved disc engaging said electric cable and having a diameter greater than the distance between the facing edges of said rails whereby said disc is retained between said rails and said supporting surface with the electric cable in a protected position, the other end of said electric cable extending above the surface of the water for attachment to an energy source.

2. An underwater lighting system according to claim 1 including a second set of rails spaced outwardly from the first set of rails, a second carriage slidably engaging said second set of rails and carrying a light source, second winch means for raising and lowering said second carriage and a second electric cable attached at one end to'said second light source and having a downwardly extending loop portion lying between said first and second sets of rails, a second disc engaging and carried by said electric cable, the other end of said second cable extending above the surface of the water for attachment to an energy source.

3. An underwater lighting system according to claim 2 wherein said sets of rails are secured in spaced relationship to vertically disposed supporting plates positioned normal to the supporting surface, the supporting plates being disposed in spaced parallel relationship with said rails on one supporting plate extending in the direction of the rails on the other supporting plate.

4. An underwater lighting system according to claim 3 wherein said carriages each include a pair of transverse guides secured in spaced coplanar relationship and having U-shaped members on each end thereof slidably engaging a pair of coplanar rails.

5. An underwater lighting system according to claim 4 wherein the guides of each carriage are secured one to the other by a tubular member and said light sources are carried at the upper ends of the last said members with said electric cables extending therethrough.

6. An underwater lighting system according to claim 3 including a plurality of vertically spaced brackets for securing said rails and rail supporting plates to the supporting surface and wherein each bracket includes a flat plate adapted to be secured to said supporting surface, a pair of spaced outwardly extending members secured to said flat plate and engaging the outer surfaces of said rail supporting plates and means for securing said rail supporting plates to the last said members.

7. An underwater lighting system according to claim 6 wherein the last said means includes an inwardly extending flange on the inner edge of each of said rail support plates, reversely formed outwardly extending flanges along the outer edges of said rail supporting plates to engage the outer edges of said outwardly extending members, ribs carried by said flat plate and spaced inwardly'from the last said members to engage the inner edges of said inwardly extending flanges and means for attaching the last said members to said supporting plates to prevent relative longitudinal displacement thereof. 

1. An underwater lighting system comprising a set of vertically disposed rails spaced outwardly from supporting means, said rails comprising a pair of spaced coplanar members having means attached to their outer edges for securing them in spaced relationship to said supporting means, a carriage slidably engaging the inner edges of said rails, a light source carried by said carriage, winch means for raising and lowering said carriage and an electric cable attached at one end to said light source and having a downwardly extending loop portion lying between said rails and said support, and a weighted grooved disc engaging said electric cable and having a diameter greater than the distance between the facing edges of said rails whereby said disc is retained between said rails and said supporting surface with the electric cable in a protected position, the other end of said electric cable extending above the surface of the water for attachment to an energy source.
 2. An underwater lighting system according to claim 1 including a second set of rails spaced outwardly from the first set of rails, a second carriage slidably engaging said second set of rails and carrying a light source, second winch means for raising and lowering said second carriage and a second electric cable attached at one end to said second light source and having a downwardly extending loop portion lying between said first and second sets of rails, a second disc engaging and carried by said electric cable, the other end of said second cable extending above the surface of the water for attachment to an energy source.
 3. An underwater lighting system according to claim 2 wherein said sets of rails are secured in spaced relationship to vertically disposed supporting plates positioned normal to the supporting surface, the supporting plates being disposed in spaced parallel relationship with said rails on one supporting plate extending in the direction of the rails on the other supporting plate.
 4. An underwater lighting system according to claim 3 wherein said carriages each include a pair of transverse guides secured in spaced coplanar relationship and having U-shaped members on each end thereof slidably engaging a pair of coplanar rails.
 5. An underwater lighting system according to claim 4 wherein the guides of each carriage are secured one to the other by a tubular member and said light sources are carried at the upper ends of the last said members with said electric cables extending therethrough.
 6. An underwater lighting system according to claim 3 including a plurality of vertically spaced brackets for securing said rails and rail supporting plates to the supporting surface and wherein each bracket includes a flat plate adapted to be secured to said supporting surface, a pair of spaced outwardly extending members secured to said flat plate and engaging the outer surfaces of said rail supporting plates and means for securing said rail supporting plates to the last said members.
 7. An underwater lighting system according to claim 6 wherein the last said means includes an inwardly extending flange on the inner edge of each of said rail support plates, reversely formed outwardly extending flanges along the outer edges of said rail supporting plates to engage the outer edges of said outwardly extending members, ribs carried by said flat plate and spaced inwardly from the last said members to engage the inner edges of said inwardly extending flanges and means for attaching the last said members to said supporting plates to prevent relative longitudinal displacement thereof. 